Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jpercival, Avalanche Canada

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6:30 AM Update: Exercise caution when choosing terrain following recent storms and closely monitor the bonding of new snow to existing surfaces.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow of up to 100 cm in the last 5 days combined with south wind redistribution, has led to wind packing on south slopes and deep wind deposition on north slopes. Below 1200 meter elevation, a thick crust is present approximately 50 cm above the ground. Snow depths varies from 75-250 cm depending on the aspect, while the mid and lower snowpack is presenting as settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, 5 to 10 cm accumulation, ridgetop winds southwest 55 to 65 km/h, treeline temperature - 6 °C. 

Monday

Partly cloudy, trace accumulation, ridgetop winds variable 10 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C. 

Tuesday

Sunny with cloudy periods, no accumulation, ridgetop winds south 15 km/h treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Increasing clouds, 1 to 5cm accumulation, ridgetop winds southwest 50 to 70 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C. 

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong southerly winds, combined with up to 20 cm of new snow, have produced reactive wind slabs in all exposed tree line and alpine features.

 Reactive storm slabs should be expected in sheltered areas..

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM

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